Tesla Model X: Tomorrow’s SUV

For the 2014 model year, Californian electric carmaker Tesla Automotive will be rolling out its first sport utility offering the Tesla Model X — and a huge amount of thought has gone into it.

SUVs have been popular in both mainstream and luxury auto lineups — especially models with three rows of seats — so the Model X will follow that trend, allowing it to accommodate up to six passengers.

Families with multiple children will be especially interested in the innovative doors of the Model X. Tesla is calling them “falcon wings” since they raise up like gull wing doors. But unlike gull wings, they can open in tight spots, thanks to a hinge in the middle of the door.

There is also no B-pillar between the front and rear doors, so when both are open there is a large opening that provides easy access to all three rows of seats. This means occupants in the second row won’t need to move to allow additional passengers into the third row. A low step-in height makes access that much easier for the very young and very old.

Tesla Model X: The options

Buyers can opt for either rear-wheel or all-wheel-drive on the 2014 Tesla Model X. Separate electric motors drive the front and rear wheels. All-wheel-drive models can come with an optional Performance package, which rockets the SUV from zero to sixty miles an hour in under five seconds. Since the Tesla Model X has battery packs and small electric motors mounted to the chassis, the center of gravity is low as well, giving it superior maneuverability compared to normal SUVs with combustion engines.

The overall exterior design of the 2014 Tesla Model X is similar to the popular Tesla Model S, except the contours have been stretched vertically. The front and rear door handles butt up against each other, creating a continuous chrome bar that is attractive as well as functional.

Tesla Model X: What’s inside

Large windows line all four sides of the vehicle, as well as a panoramic glass roof that allows passengers in all three rows a clear view of the sky, trees or tall buildings. Interior materials such as wood, leather and soft-touch plastics are stylishly arranged. The driver can reference the all-digital gauges as well as the touch-screen in the vehicle’s center stack, providing him with everything from the vehicle’s speed to estimates on battery range.

Tesla Model X: The technical stuff

Being an electric vehicle, the Tesla Model X will not emit any tailpipe emissions, just like its sedan predecessor the Model S. Customers can charge it at home using a 120 volt plug, 240 volt plug or a quick-charge station sold by Tesla. On the road, drivers can charge at any electric vehicle charging station or one of Tesla’s Supercharger stations for more rapid battery charging.

Buyers will have the option between an 85kWh battery with an estimated range of 270miles (430km) on a single charge or a 60kW version with an estimated range of 210miles (340km).

Tesla are currently taking reservations for the Model X, before it is released in 2014. Tesla claims to have already received $40million worth of bookings for the car, but the model’s release was delayed by a year reportedly because the predecessor Model S was selling so well.

It’s expected the base model was cost around $50,000 — similar to the Model S. You can see more details about the Tesla Model X on the Tesla website HERE.

And the experts at CNET have put together this great video about the car…